It is important to note that deeper integration in ASEAN cannot be successfully achieved
without the establishment of a stronger institutional structure with a better enforcement mechanism.
After the ASEAN Secretariat’s creation in 1976, it functioned similarly to an executive organ.
However, the ASEAN Secretariat had no legal authority to resolve disputes among members and
remained weak in terms of formal powers. Internally, the ASEAN Secretariat could not authoritatively
call for compliance with ASEAN agreements, or initiate arrangements to advance and
uphold ASEAN’s purposes. Externally, ASEAN lacked a central authority to speak on its
behalf and conclude agreements or conduct actions with other organizations and States. Recognizing
this fault, the ASEAN Summit decided to streamline and strengthen the ASEAN organizational
structure, especially the functions of the ASEAN Secretariat in 1992. Essentially, the
ASEAN Summit established the position of Secretary-General, who was to “be appointed on
merit” and given “an enlarged mandate to initiate, advise, coordinate and implement ASEAN
activities”.56 Although the ASEAN Secretary-General was in 1992 given the mandate to take
initiative, the power in practice is too circumscribed to fulfil this mandate with any effectiveness.
Without a more cohesive structure and a clearer regional identity, the Secretary-General’s functions
and authority in practice fall far short of what seems necessary to carry forward regional purposes
with expanded objectives and common values, to deal effectively with growing transnational
challenges, to ensure compliance by Member States with legally binding commitments or to
support ASEAN bodies’ functions.57
It is important to note that deeper integration in ASEAN cannot be successfully achievedwithout the establishment of a stronger institutional structure with a better enforcement mechanism.After the ASEAN Secretariat’s creation in 1976, it functioned similarly to an executive organ.However, the ASEAN Secretariat had no legal authority to resolve disputes among members andremained weak in terms of formal powers. Internally, the ASEAN Secretariat could not authoritativelycall for compliance with ASEAN agreements, or initiate arrangements to advance anduphold ASEAN’s purposes. Externally, ASEAN lacked a central authority to speak on itsbehalf and conclude agreements or conduct actions with other organizations and States. Recognizingthis fault, the ASEAN Summit decided to streamline and strengthen the ASEAN organizationalstructure, especially the functions of the ASEAN Secretariat in 1992. Essentially, theASEAN Summit established the position of Secretary-General, who was to “be appointed onmerit” and given “an enlarged mandate to initiate, advise, coordinate and implement ASEANactivities”.56 Although the ASEAN Secretary-General was in 1992 given the mandate to takeinitiative, the power in practice is too circumscribed to fulfil this mandate with any effectiveness.Without a more cohesive structure and a clearer regional identity, the Secretary-General’s functionsand authority in practice fall far short of what seems necessary to carry forward regional purposeswith expanded objectives and common values, to deal effectively with growing transnationalchallenges, to ensure compliance by Member States with legally binding commitments or tosupport ASEAN bodies’ functions.57
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